Philanthropic Support
You might be an AYO alumnus, in which case you will know firsthand about the life-changing experience of our organisation, or you might just love music and want Australia’s future professional musicians to have the best training available; either way, you can become part of the AYO family and make a tangible difference to our work.
The Richard Pollett Memorial Award
Richard Pollett, a former violinist of the Australian Youth Orchestra, died tragically in a road accident on 27 September. He was 25.
The Richard Pollett Memorial Award has been established by Richard’s family and close friends in association with the Australian Youth Orchestra to honour his memory.
Awards will be made annually to provide support and encouragement to young violinists who display outstanding personal and musical attributes.
Richard Pollett will long be remembered as a musician of extraordinary depth. Richard touched many through his playing and his personality, and was an inspiration to all who knew and heard him.
If you would like to make a donation, please phone 1300 668 500 to pay by credit card or send your cheque payable to The Australian Youth Orchestra to The Arts Exchange, Level 1, 10 Hickson Road, Millers Point NSW 2000.
Click here to download The Richard Pollett Memorial Award donation form.
Click here to view a list of Richard Pollett Memorial Award donors.
Click here to find out more about Richard Pollett.
International Tour Fund
It isn’t cheap to take 90 young musicians, not to mention freighting instruments such as double basses overseas but we feel it’s worth it to have the AYO participate in renowned music festivals, to play alongside highly-respected guest artists and be tutored and led by some of the most revered conductors of our time. Help us raise $200,000 each year towards the costs of the tour and provide our young musicians with an experience they will never forget.
We would like to thank everyone who has helped us raise the necessary funds required to tour a large orchestra overseas and offer AYO musicians the unique experience of appearing on the world stage.
Scholarships for Musicians
We believe young musicians being offered a place on an AYO program should be selected on talent alone, not their financial capabilities. Make a tangible difference to our musicians by paying for some or all of their fees to participate in AYO programs each year.
Providing a scholarship varies from $350 to $5,000 depending on the number of programs a musician is taking part in and how many musicians you would like to support. As an example, a three year pledge of $5,000 each year would allow one young musician to take part in three AYO programs plus the international tour.
A scholarship of $10,000 will provide one exceptional musician with the opportunity to take part in AYO programs but also train overseas at respected music colleges, covering the cost of international tutors and flights.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our supporters who enable young musicians to participate in AYO programs.
The Conductor's Circle
The Conductor’s Circle is for those who wish to support world-renowned conductors and guest artists to mentor, tutor, and perform alongside our young musicians during our February and July concert seasons. Those making donations of over $10,000 each year will become patrons of the Circle.
For more information about any of these opportunities please contact Caterina Savoca, Individual Giving Manager on caterinasavoca@ayo.com.au, or call 02 9276 2104.
